The optimal growth stage of maize for Azospirillum argentinense foliar inoculation

Abstract

Azospirillum argentinense is a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) used as an active ingredient of microbial bioestiumlants for maize (Zea mays L.) mostly applied on seeds before sowing. Foliar inoculant spray could overcome the limitation of a potential incompatibility of the inoculants with pesticides also commonly used in seed treatments This study aimed to determine the optimal growth stage of maize for foliar inoculation with A. argentinense. For this, experiments were initially conducted under greenhouse conditions and subsequently validated in the field.